Six ruling elders and ministers of the Word and Sacrament from Presbytery of the James were among 503 who participated in the 224th General Assembly, June 19-27, 2020. One advisory delegate and six alternates from POJ also were involved. The event was conducted entirely online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As Kenna Payne reflected, “This
The 224th General Assembly of the PC(USA) declares that Black lives matter; that our country’s most important institutions have been built to sustain white privilege, to protect white lives and white property at the expense of our siblings of color; and that the church, through ignorance, denial, and in some cases deliberate action, has participated
The summer 2020 issue of the Vine is on its way to homes. In this issue: Physically apart, together in spirit: POJ churches respond to COVID-19 224th GA: Responding to the sin of racism and a call to action (224th GA) 105th stated meeting recap In the wilderness, prepare the way for the Lord: The
The 105th stated meeting of the Presbytery of the James was hosted by Salisbury Presbyterian Church and conducted via Zoom Webinar on Tuesday, June 16, 2020. Ruling Elder Leigh Anne Ring (Salisbury), moderator, called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. and led the presbytery in prayer. The moderator welcomed first-time ruling elder commissioners and
The following is a message from the Dismantling Racism Ministry of Presbytery of the James POJ Friends, In the past few weeks the engines of racism in our country and our community have once again been dragged out into the light of day by violent actions against people of color and those who support the
Because of the many difficulties surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting need to avoid large gatherings, the leadership of the Presbytery of the James (POJ) has decided to hold the upcoming Presbytery meeting using the Zoom meeting software instead of conducting the meeting in person. This memo will outline the plans that have been
Rev. Dr. Tim Hoyt Duncan August 12, 1957 – May 7, 2020 Associate for Leadership Development, Presbytery of the James (2003-2006) Read Tim’s obituary It is with sadness of heart that we share that Rev. Dr. Tim Hoyt Duncan died in early May. Tim was the presbytery’s associate for leader development from 2003-2006. He was
On May 9, Governor Northam signed Executive Order 61 (PDF) outlining Phase I in the easing of temporary restrictions due to COVID-19. For most of the state, this phase begins May 15. For northern Virginia, City of Richmond, and Accomack County, Phase I is delayed to May 29 via Executive Order 62 (PDF). Read Phase
Note: Please review updated information about Gov. Northam’s newest Executive Order regarding reopening on May 15. One of our POJ leaders said: “These are trying times. I think our churches overall are doing a wonderful job of being the Church even when we can’t be congregations.” As state and federal leaders begin to discuss plans for
Easter Greeting from Fred Holbrook When Laura and I were at Grace Covenant Church in Kansas, the youth and adults did the musical Celebrate Life! The narration in the musical says: “That Sunday—three days after they buried Jesus—some of the women went to the tomb to anoint his body. When they got there…WHEN THEY GOT